The Texas Teacher of the Year program began in 1969 with a purpose to recognize and celebrate excellence in the teaching profession. Since 1988, Texas has recognized two categories for Teacher of the Year; elementary and secondary. This year there were 47 districts participating and 91 teachers nominated. At the Annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held on August 10, 2011, at the Westin Galleria, Nicole Morales, a 1st grade teacher at Roy J. Wollam Elementary, represented Santa Fe ISD as the District’s Elementary Teacher of the Year and Randi Miller, a Special Ed Teacher at Santa Fe Junior High represented the District as the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Nicole Morales, was named Region IV “Teacher of the Year.” This honor is a first for Santa Fe ISD who has participated in the program since 1973.

As a result of last night’s honor, Mrs. Morales will advance to a regional selection process. From the 40 regional teacher of the year nominees , five finalists are selected for Texas Teacher of the Year and are interviewed by a panel of judges. The panel selects the two Texas Teachers of the Year (one elementary and one secondary) and designates one to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Santa Fe ISD is proud of all of their teachers and staff who continue to work together to provide our students with the best possible educational opportunities for student success. Please join us in commending one of those exceptional teachers, Mrs. Nicole Morales.